Key facts
guaranteed progression to degrees on successful completion of the course and meeting the required grades
academic subjects, study skills and English language training, located on campus at our dedicated International Study Centre
start your International Foundation Year or International Year One in either September or January (subject to availability)
- International Foundation Year (IFY)
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The IFY is designed for students from outside the EU who have completed high school but who do not yet meet all the University’s entry requirements for degree-level study. Satisfactory completion of our foundation year will guarantee your progression to our undergraduate degrees.
The IFY courses are grouped into six broad subject streams:
- business, management and economics
- computing and mathematics
- engineering and physics
- law, international relations and social studies
- life sciences and psychology
- media and communications.
You apply to do a particular stream and nominate the degree you intend to progress to. You can change your mind during your foundation year but both your stream and nominated degree are subject to availability. Provided you obtain the required grades at the end of your year and at the end of every term, you will progress to your Sussex degree in the following September.
For more information, refer to Foundation courses and international admissions schemes and International Study Centre.
- International Year One
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The International Year One is designed for students from outside the EU who have obtained good high-school grades plus up to one year of further study. It is offered over three terms and comprises academic and English language courses.
On successful completion and obtaining the termly as well as overall required grades, you enter Year 2 of a choice of selected undergraduate degrees at Sussex in the following subject areas:
- business and management studies
- computing
- film studies
- international development
- international relations
- media and journalism.
For more information, refer to Foundation courses and international admissions schemes and International Study Centre.
Yousra's student perspective
‘I chose the International Foundation Year at Sussex because the University had a much better ranking than others I applied to. I'm pleased to say that it was probably one of the wisest decisions I've ever made and one that I'll never regret.
‘My tutors are amazing! They are extremely friendly and open with us and constantly encourage us to speak up, form groups and discuss issues related to our studies. I've learnt so much – not only from the business, management and economics seminars and lectures but also from the many other academic lectures that take place regularly on campus.
‘The experience has definitely exceeded my expectations. The campus facilities are simply superb, the accommodation is very comfortable and my flatmates have become some of my closest friends. I honestly can't remember the last time I felt homesick because I'm having way too much fun!’
Yousra Abdelmoneim
International Foundation Year (business, management and economics)